BDCP Intel Hopeful

[elitewillie]

Hi guys, I am new to this forum board. I am currently applying for the BDCP program here in Pembroke Pines, FL. My stats are 3.58 GPA and I'm majoring in International Relations and Asian Studies. I was Navy enlisted for 4 years, and just got out 7 months ago. I am waiting to take my ASTB, I am currently studying the ARCO books to prep for the test. My recruiter told me that it was very competitive for the Intel field, so I am also going to choose Crypto and SWO for my other 2 options. I currently speak spanish and I'm getting scheduled to learn mandarin chinese for the next 2 years till I graduate. I want to do an interview with and intel officer, and a conflict analysis paper to further strengthen my chances of making the intel field. What advice can you guys impart to further my chances in the selection process? Thank you guys ahead of time for the help.

 

[rubicon]

I am considering Intell too. I have a 2.87 in Global Security and Intelligance Studies. Although I am yet to start studying for any tests. I am a Freshman so I am focusing on brining up my GPA right now, and will work on the tests later. I am also Minoring in Asian Studies, and will start Mandarin next year. I too would apreciate some help. Thank you in advanced.

 

[Thisguy]

Apply, apply, apply. If you don't get Intel and they offer you your 2nd or third choice, consider reapplying if you really want intel. One of the reasons it's so competitive is because it's a small community and there's usually a small quota number from year to year. They don't have to over-select, because no one's going to wash out of intel school (at least I hope not). I've also seen some ROTC and USNA guys fall backasswards into an intel spot, so it's not like you have to walk on water to get a slot.

 

[bbell]

This is the current competitive profile for Intel via OCS:

Competitive Profile
Education: Preferred major, 3.5 GPA
ASTB: OAR - 50, AQR - 4, PFAR/FOFAR - 3
Positive Factors:
Interview by O-5/6 INTEL Officer is helpful
Strong recommendation letters, motivational statement
Language proficiency (though not required)
Negative Factors:
MJ use less than than 1 year old, psychedelic drug use

Selection rate: 7%

These are the selection statistics for Intel for the following fiscal years:
FY07: Goal 46, Select 9, BDCP 9
FY08: Goal 46, Select 2, BDCP 2
FY09: Goal 46, Select 0, BDCP 0

Keep in mind that when applying for BDCP, you are applying for an OCS slot in the year that you graduate from college and then graduate from OCS. You can apply for BDCP 3 years from your graduation date if you are in a technical major, or 2 years if not. If you have any other BDCP questions just let me know, I'd be more than happy to assist. I just received my final select for Information Warfare BDCP after a 3 year battle of applications. Good luck!

 

[TXHusker05]

Rubicon, where do you go to school? I would love it if Nebraska had a major in Global Security and Intelligence Studies... I could knock that out of the park. The closest thing here is Political Science or History, neither of which are necessarily striking for a Naval officer, although they would be good for an intel officer.

 

[Brett327]

Rubicon, where do you go to school? I would love it if Nebraska had a major in Global Security and Intelligence Studies... I could knock that out of the park. The closest thing here is Political Science or History, neither of which are necessarily striking for a Naval officer, although they would be good for an intel officer.

Degrees of that nature are usually at the graduate level. Poli-sci or IR is probably the closest most schools will come, with history as a third alternative. You need a foundation before you specialize IMO. That said, don't read too much into your degree choice. The Navy uses stuff like that to cull the herd of applicants, but once you're commissioned, the flavor of degree you have is completely irrelevant.

Brett

 

[TXHusker05]

I am currently Business Management because sometime in my life I am planning on starting and running a few businesses in the Austin, TX or Lincoln, NE (my two homes) area. I am slowly thinking that Poli Sci is the way to go for me though because my main career choices are Naval Officer or Federal Agent (probably NCIS). Before college I attended the Congressional Student Leadership Conference on Defense and Intelligence in D.C. and was blown away by the actual act of gathering and analyzing intel. I'd probably choose Intel as my first choice if I had to choose right now but I am a few years off for applying to BDCP if I choose that route or another 3 years off for working on OCS.

Actually, that brings me up to another question I had. It is my understanding that you can begin applying for OCS after your Junior year... is it possible to complete OCS during the summer between Junior and Senior years? In my case, I would graduate in the fall. That way once my degree is completed, I could move straight to the fleet. Just wondering, it is most likely not possible since you clearly need a degree to be an officer. It just seems like if you get OCS training completed, they could hold off in commissioning until you graduate later in fall.

 

[Thisguy]

It is my understanding that you can begin applying for OCS after your Junior year... is it possible to complete OCS during the summer between Junior and Senior years?

No. The Marines have a program called PLC that breaks up OCS into two six-week summer sessions and OCC which is a 10-week session if you're a junior. You can apply for BDCP after your sophomore year for non-tech majors. Don't worry about your degree too much, my roommate on the ship was our intel O and he had a degree in sociology.

Also, don't be in such a rush to get to the fleet...it'll still be around when you graduate

 

[rubicon]

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Arizona. I cannot apply for at least one more year, so I am looking for some tips on something to due to make me more attractive outside of the grades, test scores, and interviews.